Think Gene - Latest Comments in Navigenics Launches Whole-Genome Scan

Re: Navigenics Launches Whole-Genome Scan

Kevin — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:33:33 -0000

>I think it’s clear that 23andMe and Navigenics have the most potential to gain broader appeal.

The real test will come when Big Pharma/Healthcare start getting into genomics. I wonder if they will partner with one of the upstarts or do it themselves.

Re: Navigenics Launches Whole-Genome Scan

ella — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:56:08 -0000

Agreed, although deCODE also has a history of losing copious amounts of money and has appeared to be on some kind of a downward financial spiral for years, I think it's clear that 23andMe and Navigenics have the most potential to gain broader appeal.

Re: Navigenics Launches Whole-Genome Scan

Andrew Yates — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:31:18 -0000

There are more than three companies selling SNP chip tests, but these are the three leaders.

SeqWright, for example, though I have heard nothing positive about this company. My inability to know positive news about SeqWright doesn't necessarily make them inferior, but others including David Hamilton at VentureBeat are not impressed.

My personal opinion is that deCODEme, as part of deCODE, should be the leader as they are the only company with any capacity to conduct real research. However, as this is a consumer market, I feel that this is is a first marketing game, and deCODE does not do good consumer marketing in my opinion. Maybe that will change. I hope so.

Remember, deCODE is a publicly traded company with a track record of published genetic research, and both 23andMe and Navigenics are startups with product release histories still measured in days.

Re: Navigenics Launches Whole-Genome Scan

Kevin — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:20:15 -0000

Will be interesting to see how three companies offering essentially the same physical product will differentiate themselves.

Navigenics is selling an expensive unlimited genetic counseling service with the same genetic test as everyone else.

23andme has "social networking" features.

And deCODEme also exists.